Wii U Reviews Round-Up UK: What's The Verdict On Nintendo's Console?

Nintendo's new Wii U console has been released in the UK - and as the first new home system since 2006, excitement is predictably high.

But outside of the obvious appeal of Mario in HD, and the prospect of new Mario Kart and Zelda games further down the line, many people are still confused about its appeal.

The console's GamePad controller, which uses a touch screen to take games into your lap as well as the TV, is unusual and arguably a little baffling. And there are also concerns about battery life, and the commitment from developers to making games for the system.

"Will the quirky charm of Wii U be enough to keep consumers and developers onboard? … Wii U is another wonderfully quirky product, and after a few days of use, I'm thoroughly enjoying it. But I'm not sure what the industry will make of it."

"For Nintendo fans looking to finally enter the HD era, the Wii U may seem like a beacon of light in an endless downpour… Not only are the publisher's own properties sleeker than ever before, but third-parties can finally deliver the great games they've been making for other systems in recent years. But gamers who already have an Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 may struggle to see much of the appeal for now."

"It is a video games console positively brimming with potential, with the Gamepad's varied and flexible toolkit allowing for some tantalising possibilities. Most importantly, it is a console with a sense of playfulness and childish glee that only the House of Mario can seem to muster."

"Like Apple, Nintendo has become a conscientious objector in the tech spec wars, building fine products that you only really appreciate once they’re in your hands. The Wii U once again sees Nintendo plotting its own course and the results are as unique as they are satisfying. We just hope everyone is game."

"It's hard to compare the Wii U to hardware that hasn't even been announced yet, but if you're going to spend $350 on the Wii U, it's not a thought exercise without value. If horsepower is your main concern, you might choose to wait until next year when we'll doubtless see new, more powerful offerings from Sony and Microsoft."

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Izzy Rahman, 25, from London is the first to buy the Nintendo Wii U from the HMV store on London's Oxford Street with Lizzie Vitali HMV staff, after queuing for six days for the launch.

Nintendo fans brave the winter weather and queue outside HMV Oxford Street in central London for the launch of Wii U, the latest home console from Nintendo.

Nintendo fans brave the winter weather and queue outside HMV Oxford Street in central London for the launch of Wii U, the latest home console from Nintendo.

Izzy Rahman, 25, from London is the first to buy the Nintendo Wii U from the HMV store on London's Oxford Street, after queuing for six days for the launch.

Nintendo fans brave the winter weather and queue outside HMV Oxford Street in central London for the launch of Wii U, the latest home console from Nintendo.

Nintendo fans (left to right) Michael Djuma, Sing Duong, Izzy Rahman and Teddy Djuma, brave the winter weather to be first in the queue outside HMV Oxford Street in central London for 6 days for the launch of Wii U, the latest home console from Nintendo.

Nintendo fans brave the winter weather and queue outside HMV Oxford Street in central London for the launch of Wii U, the latest home console from Nintendo.

Izzy Rahman, 25, from London is the first to buy the Nintendo Wii U from the HMV store on London's Oxford Street, after queuing for six days for the launch.

Izzy Rahman, 25, from London is the first to buy the Nintendo Wii U from the HMV store on London's Oxford Street, after queuing for six days for the launch.